Disk images are backup files of partitions or volumes, or the whole data storage device like hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD) or USB flash drive, etc. Creating a disk image means to copy all the contents and structure of the source disk.
Disk images are meaningful for users, whether Windows PC or Windows Server users. They can protect PC or server data safety from system crashes, hard drive failure, or other accidents. You can restore corrupted system and data with the disk image files. In a word, disk images are important for disaster recovery. So you come to this page to find a way to image your Server 2016.
There are two ways to image Windows Server 2016. Windows Server 2016 has a backup tool called Windows Server Backup. It allows you to do a local backup for your data. But it isn’t installed by default. You need to install it before using it.
However, using Windows Server Backup to create disk image in Windows Server 2016 will take a lot of time and occupy a lot of storage space. And it only allows you to set one scheduled backup task. Fortunately, there is another disk imaging software for Server 2016 which could help you create disk backup image in an easier way and provides more functions.
Next, I’ll show you the detailed steps of both these two methods. You can first read and then choose the suitable one to follow based on your needs.
Qiling Disk Master Server is designed specifically for Windows Server systems. It is powerful far beyond creating a disk image.
This disk imaging software has an easy-to-use interface. You can use it to create disk image with a few simple clicks. Download and install the tool first and follow the steps below to create disk image for Server 2016.
Step 1. When you launch the software, you can see its dark blue interface. Click Disk Backup under the Backup tab.
Step 2. Click Disk to choose the disk which you want to create an image for. Then, select another place as the destination path to store the disk imaging file. You can backup Windows Server 2016 to external hard drive, USB flash drive or even network share.
Step 3. Confirm the operations. If there is no problem, click Proceed. It will Proceed a disk image for you. Just wait till the progress ends.
👉 Options: You can set up comment, encryption, compression, and enable email notification, etc.
👉 Schedule Backup: There are 5 options available.
👉 Backup Scheme: You are able to customize the retention policy. There are 4 schemes to help you delete old backup images to free up space: By quantity, By time, By daily/weekly/monthly and By space.
Both Windows Server Backup and Qiling Disk Master Server can help you create disk image for Server 2016. Comparing these two methods, obviously, using the best disk imaging software Qiling Disk Master Server to image Server 2016 is much simpler. It provides more powerful functions like incremental/differential backup and multiple scheduled backups.
What's more, if you want to protect unlimited PCs and servers within your company, you may choose Qiling Disk Master Technician Plus. You can use it to offer unlimited billable technical services to clients. It also enables you to copy installation directory for portable version creation.